NCAAB News: Duke’s 2025-26 Schedule Could Be Brutal if Kyle Filipowski Returns Back…

NCAAB News: Duke’s 2025-26 Schedule Could Be Brutal if Kyle Filipowski Returns Back…

 

Durham, NC – The Duke Blue Devils could be in for a punishing ride next season — and that’s not just because of the competition. If All-American forward Kyle Filipowski decides to return for another year, Duke’s 2025-26 schedule could shape up to be one of the toughest in recent memory.

The Blue Devils are already set to face a gauntlet of non-conference opponents, including Michigan State, Gonzaga, and Arizona, as well as a neutral-site showdown at the Champions Classic. Combine that with an always-grueling ACC slate — featuring North Carolina, Virginia, and a rising Miami team — and Duke could be staring down a season packed with tournament-caliber tests.

But the twist? The return of a star player like Filipowski, who declared for the 2024 NBA Draft but has yet to fully commit, could shift the narrative from “rebuilding” to “title-chasing” — which brings an entirely different level of pressure and expectations.

“If Filipowski comes back, the ceiling gets significantly higher, but so does the scrutiny,” said ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas. “That kind of talent demands results — and with that schedule, there won’t be much room for error.”

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, entering his third season at the helm, has already assembled a top-tier recruiting class, featuring two 5-star prospects and several high-level transfers. With or without Filipowski, the team will have depth and talent. But with him anchoring the frontcourt once more, Duke would likely open the season as a top-three team in the nation — and every opponent will be gunning for them.

The 2025-26 schedule includes the following early tests:

Champions Classic vs. Michigan State (Madison Square Garden)

Home vs. Arizona

Neutral Site vs. Gonzaga

ACC/SEC Challenge vs. Kentucky

Plus a full ACC round-robin that includes road games at UNC, Virginia, and Clemson.

Analysts believe Duke could face as many as 10 ranked teams before the NCAA Tournament even begins, depending on how early-season results shake out.

“This schedule is no joke,” said CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish. “You’ve got a veteran-loaded Michigan State, a physical Gonzaga team, and Arizona, which may have the best backcourt in the country. And that’s before ACC play.”

Adding to the complexity is Duke’s reliance on young talent. While Filipowski’s return would offer veteran leadership, the team will still lean heavily on freshmen guards and a new rotation in the frontcourt. Developing chemistry under such high-stakes conditions could be a challenge.

Duke has not yet confirmed its full finalized schedule, and Filipowski has until the NBA’s early entry withdrawal deadline to make a final decision. But one thing is clear: if he comes back, the road ahead will be filled with both immense opportunity — and immense pressure.

Whether Duke can survive the grind and emerge as a national title contender will depend not only on star power, but on resilience, depth, and the ability to handle what may be one of college basketball’s most brutal schedules.